The FRA interviewed more than 300 separated, asylum-seeking children (claiming international protection from persecution) and the adults responsible for their care. The interviews took place in 12 EU Member States - Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom (UK).

The interview results reveal that the fundamental rights of these children are frequently violated. Separated, asylum-seeking children, who are under State care, often live in accommodation that is unsuitable for them - including in detention, even if they have not committed a crime. They are frequently unable to access quality medical care and education or training opportunities. Many separated asylum-seeking children do not understand the legal procedures they are going through, and their views are rarely taken into consideration.

In order to measure to what extent the rights of the child are respected, protected and fulfilled in the European Union, the Fundamental Rights Agency is working together with governments of the EU Member States to develop indicators. These serve as benchmarks, which provide an indication of the progress being made in legislation and policy protecting the rights of children, as well as measuring outcome - how well rights are being respected in practice.

The FRA presents its 2 new reports at the Fundamental Rights Conference 2010 in Brussels.
For more information and watch the event online, visit the FRC website.